Bab 20: Bold

"The sea is lovely in the morning. It's even more lovely to look at when it isn't trashing around as if wanting to trample this very castle," the King of Bezmun had his eyes fixated on the window adjacent to the leather seat by his study.

His eyes glistened, admiring the view of the waters, which had calmed in the morning after the feast they held last night.

That was to be expected as the breeze was gentler in the morning compared to the afternoon and evening.

Sometimes turbulent currents would have the guards on alert in case there will be a sudden tsunami.

Although the castle would survive most of the onslaught, the same couldn't be said for the entire kingdom.

The King gradually turned to his guest, his hands picking up the cup of tea that had gone a little cold after being abandoned for a long time.

He brought the concoction to his lips and hid the grimace with a slight smile.

Ysabel stayed silent, remembering to be polite. Their carriages were ready; by afternoon, they were set to leave Bezmun to return to Eyeris.

Some of the monarchs were already preparing to leave.

It had been customary to stay for another day or two at times like this.

However, it was no secret that Bezmun suffered a significant loss after the war. They had lost many of their fisherfolks which had been the greatest capital for the kingdom.

Hiring new people was not an issue, but there was no one else to hire. When things became difficult, some of the best tailors, swordsmiths, and others decided to move to neighboring kingdoms and try their luck.

With them not returning, the monarch of Bezmun knew those who left must have found a new home. Those who stayed were the ones who kept the kingdom going.

But even then, if no alliance was going to be formed soon, Bezmun may become a lost cause.

"I hope you enjoyed your stay in Bezmun, princess."

Ysabel offered a tight smile. She clenched her hands, hiding them in the folds of her blue silk dress.

Reis had braided her hair, creating a bun at the back of her head.

Thinking about the palace maid, Ysabel wanted to run toward the calm sea and jump off the cliff. She wanted to disappear along with the guilt that made her queasy before the King of Bezmun.

"I really love the roses. They are quite spectacular, your grace. But I need you to be straightforward. Why did you want to see me before I left?"

The King chuckled, taking another sip from the cold tea.

"It has come to my knowledge that my son has taken an interest in you,"

Ysabel could feel the knots in her stomach twist in different directions. She continued to play nonchalantly, using her years of practice to hide her discomfort and facial expressions.

Every gesture was accounted for; thus, Ysabel learned to stay still and remain calm in dire situations at a young age.

It had become something she could boast to others. Despite the rising panic and her nerves ready to push her to the edge of insanity, Ysabel could appear to have no care in the world.

In the world of the monarchs, if one was careless and gave way to emotions and let them preside, many others could easily take advantage. Most of the time, it could cause a monarch's downfall.

Ysabel already knew what it was like to be stripped of her title without being able to fight.

'I'm not about to make the same mistakes again.'

Maintaining the pleasantries, Ysabel smiled at the King's statement.

"And Prince Hinrik hasn't been subtle about it."

The King let out a hearty chuckle, finishing the rest of his tea. Its taste had become a little bland now that it was no longer steaming hot.

"I don't intend to be nosy. But you want me to be direct, and I will," the King cleared his throat, clasping his hands and putting them on top of the wooden desk, his eyes looking intently at Ysabel.

"What are your thoughts about my son?"

'Thoughts?' Ysabel mused. 'Plenty.'

But instead of saying those words, she meant to play it safe. In her past life, had the King asked her the same, she would have confided and told him how she felt toward Hinrik.

Ysabel understood why the King was concerned about this. He didn't ask her directly about liking anyone else, but his query covered that aspect too.

"Prince Hinrik has a lot of outstanding qualities, and I understand why you want to know where he stands here," Ysabel pointed to the side of her head. She then poked at her chest using the same hand. "And here."

The King nodded, pressing his lips.

He opened his mouth to speak, but he was interrupted by the door of his study bursting open. A palace maid rushed inside, looking frantic.

Ysabel followed the middle-aged servant. She adorned a different headdress than the other maids she had seen earlier.

'She must be the head,' Ysabel mused.

"Your Majesty," the palace maid remembered her manners, noticing Ysabel sitting by the study. She lowered her head to acknowledge her presence. "Your Highness."

Ysabel returned the favor with a light tilt of her head.

Then the servant approached the King. She hesitated for a brief second before clearing her throat and stating the purpose of her suddenly rushing inside the study.

"Forgive me for barging in, but there is a significant problem, your majesty."

The King took a deep breath, ushering the palace maid to continue.

"What is this problem?"

"Lady Dolores has been hysterical all morning. She had lost a precious jewel and had requested a wide search. Since this morning, we have started checking every carriage of people going in and out of Bezmun. But it has yet to be found."

"It must be of importance," Ysabel murmured. The palace maid turned to her and nodded.

"I heard her saying it was a family heirloom."

The King breathed out a sigh.

"Has the palace been searched all throughout?"

The palace maid nodded in response to the King's query. Ysabel got to her feet, hiding her hands in the folds of her dress.

She turned to the King and curtsied.

"I'm sorry to cut this meeting short. But I believe this issue must be addressed at once."

The King nodded, pressing his lips before getting to his feet.

"Unfortunately, I cannot argue with that."

Realizing that Ysabel was about to leave, the palace maid turned to her, bowing deeply.

"Your Highness," she uttered, surprising Ysabel. "Let me be so bold to ask this of you but could I accompany you and personally check your belongings?"

The King attempted to scold the maid. She had deftly put an accusation on Ysabel. It caused a tense silence to follow the servant's request, but Ysabel surprised them with her response.

"Of course," she replied with cheerful confidence. "I'd hate to cause unnecessary strife with Quinnsvale for such a trivial matter. Besides," Ysabel paused, letting the King and the servant hang on to every word she said.

"I think the lady has a thing for my brother."